PhD Researcher
University of Illinois Chicago/Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Bartlett, Illinois, United States
I am currently a PhD researcher in biomedical engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. My research is centered on the design and development of passive exoskeletal devices that provide both movement assistance and therapeutic benefits for post-stroke populations. Specifically, I address impairments in forearm supination—a key movement for hand positioning required during tasks such as reaching, grasping, and manipulating objects. This work aligns with my broader focus on biomechanics, rehabilitation technology, and patient-centered medical device innovation. By employing fully tunable designs integrated with offline optimization algorithms, these devices utilize passive elastic elements to deliver customized torque profiles. They achieve energy efficiency through "mechanical intelligence," shifting control from software to hardware and eliminating the need for motors, controllers, or external power. These systems are lightweight, affordable, and user-friendly, reflecting my commitment to challenging the current state of the art and lowering barriers to advanced rehabilitation solutions that improve patient outcomes.
My expertise encompasses a range of engineering disciplines, including mechanics, musculoskeletal biomechanics, and medical device development. As a Biomechanical Engineer at PSYONIC, Inc., I contributed to the advancement of prosthetic and orthotic technologies through the development of a patent-pending partial finger prosthesis. This system integrates with a patient’s residual tendons and bone, utilizing a tendon-driven mechanism to provide natural control, proprioception, and functional performance without batteries. I led a multidisciplinary team overseeing key areas such as system design, cadaver surgeries, biomechanical testing, mathematical analyses, and securing external funding to support the project’s success.
My academic foundation was built through diverse experiences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. During my early studies, I gained expertise in industrial-scale additive manufacturing while working in the Ford Rapid Prototyping Laboratory. This role emphasized the importance of integrating manufacturing feasibility into early-stage design, a principle that continues to guide my research and development efforts.
Undergraduate research further shaped my focus on biomechanics and medical technology. Under the mentorship of Dr. Aimy Wissa in the Bioinspired Adaptive Morphology Laboratory, I investigated the kinematics and biomechanics of click beetles, applying their self-righting mechanism to robotic systems. This biomimetic research inspired a commitment to addressing human-centered engineering challenges. Additionally, I led course-based projects focused on orthopedic device innovation, including the design of a high-intensity activity-capable total knee arthroplasty implant and a next-generation lumbar disc replacement.
In my graduate studies, I led a project aimed at improving surgical safety through the development of a handheld, sterilizable, FDA Class I device for real-time detection of nervous tissue. This device was designed to reduce accidental nerve damage during surgery, addressing a critical clinical need. This project underscored my dedication to creating engineering solutions tailored to complex healthcare challenges.
My interdisciplinary experiences have cultivated a research focus on improving patient outcomes through innovative engineering. By integrating mechanical and biomedical engineering principles, I aim to develop transformative technologies that enhance both clinical effectiveness and accessibility for individuals affected by life-altering conditions.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
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